Issue No: 252
27th November 2015
14th Safar 1437 A.H.
Salamun alaykum,
Darkness after sunset:
In our parts of the world one does not need to light lanterns or candles for lighting when it becomes dark. It is only in situations of emergency when electric power outage is experienced that forms of emergency lighting which include candles, torches and even flash lights in mobile phones are used. However in other parts of the world that either suffer from shortages of energy or do not have the infrastructure for lighting supply, setting up a source of light is essential a daily routine as soon as darkness sets in. Commonly a lantern is used. For those unable to afford a lantern, a wick dipped in kerosene set in scrap tins is set on light.
All items used in both settings of the world have one essential purpose, illumination; to provide light for people in the darkness to be able to see.
The invaluable commodity:
An essential item for all these varieties of emergency lighting is the need for a source of fuel to provide the energy for lighting up thus radiating the luminance in the darkness. One possessing a lantern without fuel derives no benefit. By ensuring that the fuel such as kerosene or electric charge in batteries is at the required level, the source of emergency lighting will then be able to function effectively. Where this fuel is at a lower level or has run out then obviously the lighting equipment will not succeed in its function. Therefore it is pertinent that proper steps will always need to be taken to ensure that the fuel in form of kerosene, paraffin or electric charging of battery is at top level.
A unique lantern:
In one of his narrations to describe our 3rd Imam Sayyidu Shuhada Aba 'Abdillah Imam Husayn a.s. the Noble Prophet Muhammad SAWW uses an example of the lantern stating, "Verily Husayn is the lantern for guidance..."
Just as the purpose for the emergency lighting is to provide light for people in the darkness to be able to see, likewise the Noble Prophet is conveying a message on the critical role of Imam Husayn. He is being introduced as a unique lantern. Imam Husayn is a lantern that provides luminance of guidance in a world; where darkness has set. This is due to disbelief, immoral values, injustice, corruption, tyranny and oppression and other vices.
Are you taking care of this lantern?
During these solemn days of azadari Imam Husayn definitely occupies a central position. The total devotion of believers is focused towards Imam Husayn. In other words this 'lantern' (Imam Husayn - lantern of guidance) is in one's hand.
For one to benefit from the physical lantern, it needs to be looked after. The lantern needs to be to be regularly serviced and topped with fuel or kept charged. Just as is required for the physical lantern, are you taking good care of this 'lantern' provided to you by the Noble Prophet?
In these moments of azadari the questions to reflect upon are:
- How do you take good care of this 'lantern'?
- What quality 'fuel' is being expected by the lantern of guidance; Imam Husayn?
- Are you providing this fuel at top level to keep this lantern charged?
- Are you benefitting directly from this 'lantern'?
- Is there any obstruction that is shading the luminance provided from this 'lantern'?
- What needs to be done to remove these obstructions and benefit from the luminance of the 'lantern'?
Ones' commitment today in upholding the values for which Imam Husayn and his noble companions achieved martyrdom on Ashura is a sign of deriving light from this lantern of guidance, InshAllah.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
With salaams and duas
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat